The Acting Chief Judge of Cross River State, Hon Justice Eyo Efiom Ita, has ordered 30 protesting magistrates in the State to vacate their seats in various courts pending the resolution of the matter involving their two years salary arrears.
Ita, in a letter signed by the Chief Registrar, Edem N. Okokon, said they have been withdrawn from sitting in any court till further notice.
The magistrates claim they have not been paid since their engagement in February 2019.
Ita also asked the 30 magistrates to stay at home, alleging that many of them have been involved in corrupt practices in order to survive.
The press statement claimed that the government regretted their employment, saying “there is no conscientious reason to have allowed you (magistrates) to work without pay for all the while…”
For three days last week, the magistrates had protested in front of the governor’s office over the non-payment of two years salaries.